Dog Care 101: Learn Everything You Need to Know About Caring for Your New Pup

Caring for a dog is much more than just feeding it daily. One of the saddest things in the world is a neglected animal - especially a doting dog. Dogs love and need bundles of attention and tender loving care. Their whole day revolves around when they can expect some love and attention from you, their owner. Basically, your dog gives you a lifetime of unconditional love, friendship, and loyalty. In return for all of his/her love and affection he/she counts on you to provide all his/her necessities such as food, water, a safe shelter, exercise, veterinary care and much more.

A good place to start when caring for your appreciative pooch is with identification tags. Outfit your pooch with a collar and ID tag that includes all your vital contact information such as your name, address, and an easily reachable telephone number. No matter how careful of an owner you are, there’s always a chance your lovely companion may become lost at some point. A collar and ID tag will greatly increases the chance that you and your pet will be happily united again.

After you have collared and ID tagged your dog, you should think about vaccination. It’s extremely important to follow local laws for licensing your dog and vaccinating him/her for rabies - not only for your pooch but for your own well being too. A great place to look for information is your local animal shelter or humane society. These agencies can give you information regarding legal requirements, and where to have you passionate pooch vaccinated.

Not only does your doggie need vaccinating, it also needs regular check-ups with a veterinarian. A dog is just like you or I, it needs regular check-ups with his/her doctor to ensure the proper health of your pet. If you do not have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter or your loving pet-owning friend for a referral and check out the provided information on choosing a veterinarian.

Once you have found a veterinarian both you and your dog love, then it’s important to think about spaying or neutering your dog. This always makes me think of Bob Barker and his passion for spreading the importance of spaying and neutering through word of mouth on the hit game show “The Price is Right.” Dogs that have this routine and minor surgery tend to live longer, be healthier, and have fewer behavioral problems such as biting, running away, and general aggression. By spaying or neutering your dog, you are also doing your part to reduce the disheartening problem of pet overpopulation.

Now that we have addressed your pets’ medical needs, you should think about proper nutrition. It is vitally important to give your pooch a balanced diet with constant and consistent access to fresh clean water. Your veterinarian can give you information about the proper type of food, and the amount that will keep your companion healthy and happy. He or she can also give you information on how often to feed your dog, because various breeds require different amounts of food.

When caring for your dog you have to think of proper shelter. A fenced yard with a doghouse is an ideal setting for your pooch. Remember that if your dog is large and active, it typically needs more space and room outside to run and play. However, dogs should never be left outside alone for extended periods of time. This all goes back to the deep down need dogs have for love and attention. Dogs truly need and crave companionship and should spend most of their time inside with the family - since they are a vital family member.

Just like you or I, your dog needs plenty of exercise and movement to stay healthy. Make sure he/she gets enough exercise to keep him/her physically fit but not exhausted. Many dog owners agree that playing a game, or with use of throw toys with their canine companion, along with twice daily walks provide sufficient exercise for your pooch. If you should have any questions or concerns with this, once again it is wise to check with your loving veterinarian for their advice on the proper amount of physical activity suited to your dog.

Many experts agree there is also a simple rule to remember when thinking of care for your dog - off property, on leash! Even if you have a valid license for your dog, an official rabies tag, and a collar and ID tag, your companion should still be on a leash. Your dog should not be allowed to roam outside of your home or fenced yard - ever. It may sound harsh but it the best bet for you, your community, and your dog to keep control of your pet at all times. The old saying “it’s better to be safe than sorry” applies here.

Along with keeping your dog on a leash, many experts believe it is important to enroll your canine companion in a dog training class. Positive training will allow you to control your companion’s behavior safely and humanely. Not only will this bring some control to your hands, it provides a terrific opportunity to enhance the bond you share with your pooch. The humane society, as well as your veterinarian, can provide information on reputable dog trainers.

Lastly and most importantly in thinking about proper dog care is love - and lots of it! Be loyal to, loving, and patient with your faithful canine companion. Your pet needs you and loves you - that is something you must remember. Make sure the expectations you have of your dog are reasonable and healthy. Also remember if you do encounter some behavioral problem, the vast majority of them can be solved with a little time, effort and supporting love. If at any time you are struggling to meet all the things that are required to love and care for your dog, you must contact your veterinarian or local animal shelter for advice and direction. If for some reason you can’t handle the responsibility of loving and caring for your animal, someone else gladly can and will.

10 Most Recent Articles Written by Christine Beals

Fly Fishing 101: Learn Everything You Need to Know to Get Started on a Fly Fishing Adventure
Written by: Christine Beals |
Distributed: 2008-04-23 |
Word Count: 1043 |
Page Views: 2443
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 2.83
Fly fishing is an ancient angling method in which artificial
flies are tied onto a hook to imitate naturally occurring food.
These artificial flies are made out of materials such as fur and
feather. Rods are generally light while the lines are heavy in
weight, providing the proper weight and momentum for casting.
Because of the ease of learning, fly fishing has become an
enjoyable past time for many people of all ages.

Knitting 101: Learn Everything You Need to Get Started - from the History to the Basics
Written by: Christine Beals |
Distributed: 2008-04-17 |
Word Count: 1034 |
Page Views: 2928
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 2.22
When some people think of knitting they picture little old
grandmas slowly passing the hours away, but not anymore. Knitting
is a wonderful hobby that can provide anyone with a plethora of
pleasure and relaxation - not to mention adorable blankets,
scarves, hats, clothing and more! You can learn to create
handmade knits for yourself and for all the people you love with
just a little practice and patience.

Most Recent "Family" Articles

Why We Women Are Our Own Greatest Enemy When Dating
Written by: RoseMary Alberts |
Distributed: 2013-11-06 |
Word Count: 544 |
Page Views: 4662
| Votes: 21 |
Rating: 1.86
I have learned that while there are women who want to be
committed to one man, there are some others who seek only
attention, gifts, dinners, movies etc, and still others who are
only interested in having a physical relationship. But all these
three categories cannot be used as a base to judge women and
their point of view about relationships only because, like I
said, "Women never know what they want." So read on and you
will know what I mean...

When A Strong Woman Can Make You A Better Man
Written by: Coalton Reynolds |
Distributed: 2013-11-05 |
Word Count: 625 |
Page Views: 7470
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 1.80
Behind every man, there is a strong women. After my recent
split with my girlfriend of two years I have found myself
thinking how much I have changed. At first, I just thought I
was only different around her, but now I seem to be a
totally different person.

Tips to Help You Get Back in the Dating Game After a Long-Term Relationship Ends
Written by: RoseMary Alberts |
Distributed: 2013-10-30 |
Word Count: 773 |
Page Views: 4928
| Votes: 16 |
Rating: 1.31
There are very few things in life that are as terrifying,
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of dating again. The tips in this article will help you get back
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The Eight Commandments of Online Dating
Written by: Kandice Skaggs |
Distributed: 2013-10-24 |
Word Count: 1153 |
Page Views: 1945
| Votes: 3 |
Rating: 0.00
Dating and "desperate" may start with the same letter, but
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The Day My Daughter Woke Me Up to See That Her Father Never Really Loved Me
Written by: Mary Ann Lipitz |
Distributed: 2013-10-18 |
Word Count: 527 |
Page Views: 3819
| Votes: 17 |
Rating: 2.18
I am 31 years old with two children, and I was in a relationship
with the man I loved until two years ago. We were not married but
we lived together, and yes he is the father of my children. We
had been together for more than five years at that point, but we
never felt the need to get married. We had been happy the way
things were, until one day my daughter changed all that, at least
for me.

Dating Rules Explained: How to Turn Your Date Into a Relationship
Written by: RoseMary Alberts |
Distributed: 2013-10-16 |
Word Count: 779 |
Page Views: 5816
| Votes: 19 |
Rating: 1.58
How adults behave on a date depends more on their intentions
towards the other person than it does on other factors. For
instance, a man who really likes a woman is going to behave
differently towards her than he would a woman he is only casually
interested in. Sometimes, it is hard to know the difference.

6 Things You Can Do Today To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint Tomorrow
Written by: Lee Dobbins |
Distributed: 2011-12-12 |
Word Count: 845 |
Page Views: 3710
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 0.75
Reducing your carbon footprint is something that everyone
should strive for but what if you don't have a lot of money
to buy eco friendly appliances and hybrid cars? Here are 6
easy things that you can do right now to help reduce your
carbon footprint. These won't cost you a dime and might
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Raise Responsible Children
Written by: Marvin Marshall, Ed.D. |
Distributed: 2011-07-19 |
Word Count: 926 |
Page Views: 569
| Votes: 1 |
Rating: 3.00
Using the strategies outlined here will help give your children
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journey to raise responsible children with less stress and more
enjoyment for everyone involved.

Alpaca Wear Makes Terrific Gifts for Men and Women
Written by: Robert Moore |
Distributed: 2010-07-27 |
Word Count: 772 |
Page Views: 2938
| Votes: 1 |
Rating: 1.00
Alpaca wear has a long and venerable history and the first
record of Alpacas was in the Andean mountains. Alpacas were
perfect for producing a fiber suitable for protecting these
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Top Ten 'Mistakes' Made by Parents America
Written by: Ryan Hogan |
Distributed: 2010-04-27 |
Word Count: 970 |
Page Views: 3633
| Votes: 1 |
Rating: 2.00
On one hand the word "mistake" may be too harsh. Every
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Girls Sleepover Party Ideas
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Distributed: 2008-09-16 |
Word Count: 837 |
Page Views: 15342
| Votes: 138 |
Rating: 2.07
Throwing a sleepover for your daughter is one of the most
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she grows up. How can you make these nights more memorable? By
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Graduation Flowers Are At The Head Of The Class
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2008-04-24 |
Word Count: 538 |
Page Views: 12146
| Votes: 27 |
Rating: 1.78
The coming of spring signals new beginnings, and each year many
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One way to help make the day even more beautiful and memorable
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Selective Mutism Disorder Is More Of A Problem Than You Think
Written by: Ingrid Stenquist |
Distributed: 2007-04-11 |
Word Count: 682 |
Page Views: 7951
| Votes: 25 |
Rating: 3.88
One of the worst and most severe manifestations of childhood
social anxiety disorders is labeled as Selective Mutism disorder.
Originally, fifteen years ago the disorder was called Elective
Mutism because doctors figured that all children who didn't talk
were either shy or in another category. Elective mutes were seen
as belligerent, stubborn, and obnoxious kids who were rebelling
by not talking against some effort in order to get attention.

Pepper Spray: How Does it Feel to Get Blasted?
Written by: Fred Cheney |
Distributed: 2007-12-18 |
Word Count: 477 |
Page Views: 7616
| Votes: 20 |
Rating: 2.85
It's something to think about. What would happen if you tried
to use pepper spray and it sprayed into your own eyes? And,
could you accidentally blind someone with it? Permanently maim
them? What are the effects of pepper spray? These are important
questions and they certainly have answers.

When A Strong Woman Can Make You A Better Man
Written by: Coalton Reynolds |
Distributed: 2013-11-05 |
Word Count: 625 |
Page Views: 7470
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 1.80
Behind every man, there is a strong women. After my recent
split with my girlfriend of two years I have found myself
thinking how much I have changed. At first, I just thought I
was only different around her, but now I seem to be a
totally different person.

Destructive Behaviors That Cause a Relationship Break Up
Written by: James Kern |
Distributed: 2009-07-15 |
Word Count: 644 |
Page Views: 7333
| Votes: 19 |
Rating: 2.63
On the surface, you think that being in love is the greatest
thing since sliced bread, but underneath you're flailing and
kicking and trying to get back to the status quo, which is you
being alone and miserable. It sucks, but you're used to life
there. If Alone and Miserable were a bar, everybody there would
know your name.

Family Unity
Written by: Sally Goldberg, Ph.D. |
Distributed: 2007-11-01 |
Word Count: 614 |
Page Views: 6354
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 1.67
Thanksgiving comes once a year with its wonderful message about
family unity. Everyone gathers around the table and talks about
how happy they are to be together. Then, no sooner is the holiday
over, all is forgotten. Do you have any ideas for preserving
those close family feelings?

Highest Ranked "Family" Articles

Home Alone Child Safety
Written by: Jerry Tarrer |
Distributed: 2007-03-21 |
Word Count: 1038 |
Page Views: 3104
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 4.00
Your child's safety depends to a large part on good
communication between you and your children. This is especially
true of two-income families, and single parent families where the
children are left alone for extended periods of time and have to
care for themselves.

Can Rats, Chemical Odors, Or Even Stress, Cause Mold Like Health Reactions In Homeowners And Office Workers?
Written by: Daryl Watters |
Distributed: 2007-06-26 |
Word Count: 1564 |
Page Views: 3252
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 4.00
Mold is and always has been a major contributor in building
related illness. I have seen many clients who were ill as the
result of living with mold. However, one must not overlook the
possibility of other contributing factors such as cigarette
smoke, non mold related bio-allergens such as cat and dog dander,
rat and mice allergens, and chemical contaminates such as
pesticides or volatile organic compounds.

PB and Js And Licking The Bowl - The Joys Of A Kid Friendly Kitchen!
Written by: Pamela Cole Harris |
Distributed: 2008-02-14 |
Word Count: 554 |
Page Views: 3458
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 4.00
Remember licking the bowl when you were a kid? Or making your own
peanut butter sandwiches with grape, or better yet strawberry,
jelly? Mmmmm... the smell of homemade oatmeal cookies! And they
were even better because you knew you helped make them! Kitchens
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Are you building those memories with your children or do you view
the kitchen as a dangerous place for kids?

Potty Training Made Easy
Written by: Kim Michael |
Distributed: 2009-04-07 |
Word Count: 507 |
Page Views: 2559
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 4.00
If you're the parent of a toddler, you are probably looking for
the right signs that your child is ready to be potty trained.
Potty training your child can be a frustrating time in your life.
When your child is ready to be potty trained, they will provide
to you clues that the timing is right. If you capitalize on these
clues, and use the right tools, this can be an exciting time in
your life, as well as your child's.

Selective Mutism Disorder Is More Of A Problem Than You Think
Written by: Ingrid Stenquist |
Distributed: 2007-04-11 |
Word Count: 682 |
Page Views: 7951
| Votes: 25 |
Rating: 3.88
One of the worst and most severe manifestations of childhood
social anxiety disorders is labeled as Selective Mutism disorder.
Originally, fifteen years ago the disorder was called Elective
Mutism because doctors figured that all children who didn't talk
were either shy or in another category. Elective mutes were seen
as belligerent, stubborn, and obnoxious kids who were rebelling
by not talking against some effort in order to get attention.

What Is Your Siamese Trying To Tell You?
Written by: Susan Miller |
Distributed: 2009-09-03 |
Word Count: 496 |
Page Views: 2882
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.83
When it comes to cats, many cat-lovers will do just about
anything to please their feline companions. However, one of
the most perplexing aspects of owning a cat is the attempt
to try to decipher its various body movements and meows.
After all, like a baby, a cat's meow can mean just about
anything -- from hunger to frustration to general
irritation.

As A Woman Thinking Of Divorce, Is It Necessary To Hire A Divorce Lawyer?
Written by: Cathi Adams |
Distributed: 2007-06-14 |
Word Count: 509 |
Page Views: 2774
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 3.75
Couples finding themselves in the middle of divorce proceedings
are growing in number each year. Some studies are showing that
over 50 percent of first time marriages will end in divorce, with
subsequent marriages ending at even higher percentages! That
means a lot of people looking for the expertise of divorce
lawyers.

How An Envelope Online Budgeting System Can Help You Take Control Of Your Finances
Written by: Gust Lenglet |
Distributed: 2007-06-22 |
Word Count: 626 |
Page Views: 2782
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.67
Have you ever felt that your hard-earned cash is slipping through
your fingers? Are you genuinely surprised by how much money you
and your family spend? Do you regularly run out of money before
the end of the month? Are you racking up credit card debts to
fund the difference between what you earn and what you spend? Do
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your household budget? Don't just sit there, take control over
your finances.

Want to Know Where to Go in Boston?
Written by: Mark Anderson |
Distributed: 2008-10-10 |
Word Count: 1075 |
Page Views: 2854
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.67
Ever since the colonial days, Boston has been one of the most
intriguing cities in the United States. Its rich history is
rivaled only by the vast amount of things it has to offer.
Whether you're a college student, child, or an adult, there is
plenty to find in Boston Massachusetts. From sports and nightlife
to culture and nature, there is truly something for everyone.
Let's look at what Bean Town has to offer.

How Can Bible Study Help Kids Grow Up?
Written by: Adam Barnett |
Distributed: 2007-10-23 |
Word Count: 463 |
Page Views: 3550
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 3.64
Bible study is probably the number one way to keep your kids on
the right path, and keep them out of trouble. We can't watch our
kids all day and night, and we can't keep bad influences from
coming to them. But what we CAN do is make sure they know wrong
from right. This will help them when they face problems and major
decisions on their own.